Mother of slain teen joins fight against gun violence

Nearly two dozen community activist groups are uniting against the saturation of gun violence that has resulted in profuse bloodshed.

National statistics show more than 10,000 people die every year from gun violence, whether in schools, movie theaters, convenience stores or on neighborhood streets.

Denise Cassell attempted to perform CPR on her son, 16-year-old Ne'Ondre Harbour, in October when she found him shot in an ally in Garfield.

She said parents of young gun users should not turn away, but should instead report their sons to police.

"Some parents have to take control of their kids so they won't grow up to be killers," said Cassell.

She joins Tree of Hope and Moms Demand Action, as well as several other community groups, who will meet at East Liberty Presbyterian Church to identify solutions to curtail gun violence.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. It's the third in a series of community forums addressing the matter. Organizers hope to have one each month. Putting pressure on local, state and federal lawmakers is a constant priority on each monthly agenda.

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